Phthalates in plastics: how safe are they?

Phthalates, the chemical agents that make some plastics flexible and help hold a perfume's scent, have been in the headlines a lot of recent years, with questions raised over their impact on our health, particularly in the areas of obesity and male reproductive health.

The scary thing for mums and dads is that these chemical compounds are used widely, and particularly in children’s toys.

In recent years, concerns have been raised internationally in relation to some phthalates, leading to some being banned in Europe and the US.

Australian research has also identified a minimal risk in relation to one phthalate, DEHP, resulting in a ban prohibiting certain products that contain DEHP above a prescribed level.

What are phthalates?

Product Safety Australia (PSA) describes phthalates (pronounced THAL-ates) as a family of organic chemicals produced from oil.

“They are placed into products during manufacture to act as a lubricant or softener,” says PSA. “(PVC) contains phthalates to make the plastic soft and flexible. (They) have been used in this way for about 50 years and are the most commonly used plasticisers in the world.”

Two million tons of phthalates are produced across the world each year, and more than 20 types of phthalates are in common use.

Research findings

Searching superficially, there are several disturbing findings from research into phthalates, but government organisations point out that more research is required.

Recent US research suggested a link between exposure to phthalates and obesity in young children, including increased body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference.

A 2011 study claimed an association between prenatal exposure to phthalates and the prevalence of mental, motor and behavioral problems in children, including ADHD.

PSA cites research by Australia’s National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) into children's plastic products containing more than one percent DEHP. This research found “a risk of reproductive toxicity for children up to and including 36 months of age who may extensively chew and suck (mouth) objects on a recurrent basis for substantial periods of time – in excess of 40 minutes per day”.

Should parents be worried?

According to consumer watchdog CHOICE, phthalates are now used in so many products they are almost impossible to avoid. It cited a Swiss study that found people who eat healthily and try to avoid chemical additives in their food are exposed to much the same levels of phthalates as those who eat junk food and don’t worry about their diet at all.

The PSA frames its response to the risk from phthalates like this: “While there is no significant risk to the general population, young children may experience higher exposures than the general population if they chew or suck on phthalate-containing toys, or if they ingest phthalates over a long period from other products containing high levels of phthalates.”

Its website went on to say, “Some scientists believe that the risk is negligible and that limiting the use of phthalates will have net negative public health consequences due to their utility, especially in medical applications, and the substitution of less studied alternative chemicals".

Australia’s ban

In February 2011, children’s products containing more than one percent of the phthalate DEHP were banned in Australia

This ban only applies to toys, childcare articles, eating vessels and utensils that are intended for use by children up to and including 36 months of age.